ECAL, a plural school – what a beautiful alliteration! If originality and singularity can be undeniable strengths, especially in a school of art and design, so is plurality. Being oneself, but with others! The 2021 graduation projects are a particular example of this richness, embracing a multitude of contemporary and societal themes as well as offering a wide range of techniques to illustrate each student’s point. Strength in numbers!
The variety of BA and MA courses underpins this diversity, but it also feeds on one of ECAL’s main specificities: transversality. This porosity between the different disciplines provides our students from all over the world with effective tools to support their approach and to enter the professional world from different angles. ECAL’s acronym may consist of four letters, but the field of possibilities offered includes the whole alphabet:
Twenty-six letters arbitrarily jazzed-up of course, but with which you will be able to write the rest of your own story post-ECAL. It will be long and full of successes, with a large plural S at the end, I hope, just like our institution, which celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2021!
It is first and foremost about images that attract attention and seduce, and then comes a second phase of questioning. Underneath the veneer lie the questions of a generation that addresses a world saturated with images.
Nathalie Herschdorfer
Director, Musée des beaux-arts, Le Locle
Jury MA Photography
Jury Bachelor Arts Visuels – Giovanni Carmine, Real Madrid
Jury Bachelor Arts Visuels – Giovanni Carmine, Real Madrid
Jury Bachelor Arts Visuels – Giovanni Carmine, Real Madrid
Jury Bachelor Arts Visuels – Giovanni Carmine, Real Madrid
Jury Bachelor Arts Visuels – Giovanni Carmine, Real Madrid
Jury Bachelor Arts Visuels – Giovanni Carmine, Real Madrid
1/6
The work of this year's photography graduates was genuine, oftentimes disarming and remarkably mature in te srms of execution. It was inspiring to spend the day with this group of students
Hinde Haest
Curator, FOAM, Amsterdam
BA Photography
Jury Bachelor Media & Interaction Design – Sabine Himmelsbach, Marc Kremers, Philip Schuette
Jury Bachelor Media & Interaction Design – Sabine Himmelsbach, Marc Kremers, Philip Schuette
Jury Bachelor Media & Interaction Design – Sabine Himmelsbach, Marc Kremers, Philip Schuette
Jury Bachelor Media & Interaction Design – Sabine Himmelsbach, Marc Kremers, Philip Schuette
Jury Bachelor Media & Interaction Design – Sabine Himmelsbach, Marc Kremers, Philip Schuette
Jury Bachelor Media & Interaction Design – Sabine Himmelsbach, Marc Kremers, Philip Schuette
1/6
Watching and sharing our thoughts about their films with the students was a very inspiring experience that will hopefully leave them with some useful feedback for their future projects.
Stéphane Kuthy
Director of Photography, Zürich
Jury BA Cinema
Jury Bachelor Design Graphique – Gregor Huber, Sandra Kassenaar, Marc Kremers
Jury Bachelor Design Graphique – Gregor Huber, Sandra Kassenaar, Marc Kremers
Jury Bachelor Design Graphique – Gregor Huber, Sandra Kassenaar, Marc Kremers
Jury Bachelor Design Graphique – Gregor Huber, Sandra Kassenaar, Marc Kremers
Jury Bachelor Design Graphique – Gregor Huber, Sandra Kassenaar, Marc Kremers
Jury Bachelor Design Graphique – Gregor Huber, Sandra Kassenaar, Marc Kremers
1/6
Professional but never indifferent. Contemporary, but never headless. Driven but never uptight. ECAL's programme fosters ambitious, innovative projects that speak to the quality of the school and its teaching.
Damian Fopp
Curator, Museum für Gestaltung, Zürich
Jury BA Industrial Design
Jury Bachelor Photographie – Hinde Haest, Marc Kremers, Urs Stahel
Jury Bachelor Photographie – Hinde Haest, Marc Kremers, Urs Stahel
Jury Bachelor Photographie – Hinde Haest, Marc Kremers, Urs Stahel
Jury Bachelor Photographie – Hinde Haest, Marc Kremers, Urs Stahel
Jury Bachelor Photographie – Hinde Haest, Marc Kremers, Urs Stahel
Jury Bachelor Photographie – Hinde Haest, Marc Kremers, Urs Stahel
1/6
I am impressed by the quality of the students' work. It is very mature. Each project goes straight to the point, which is a great strength.
David Douard
Artist, Paris
Jury MA Fine Arts
Despite the difficult times we are facing, students from the MA Product Design demonstrated their ability to reflect their mature, courageous and diverse ways to see the world through design. Bravo!
Keiji Takeuchi
Designer, Milano
Jury MA Product Design
As an out-of-the-box designer, I was impressed to see the students take on such diverse challenges and stretch the design-field in unexpected directions.
Carolien Niebling
Designer, Zürich
Jury MA Product Design
Jury MAS in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship – Alberto Cavalli, Nieves Contreras, Guillaume Delvigne
Jury MAS in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship – Alberto Cavalli, Nieves Contreras, Guillaume Delvigne
Jury MAS in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship – Alberto Cavalli, Nieves Contreras, Guillaume Delvigne
Jury MAS in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship – Alberto Cavalli, Nieves Contreras, Guillaume Delvigne
Jury MAS in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship – Alberto Cavalli, Nieves Contreras, Guillaume Delvigne
Jury MAS in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship – Alberto Cavalli, Nieves Contreras, Guillaume Delvigne
1/6
It is first and foremost about images that attract attention and seduce, and then comes a second phase of questioning. Underneath the veneer lie the questions of a generation that addresses a world saturated with images.
Nathalie Herschdorfer
Director, Musée des beaux-arts, Le Locle
Jury MA Photography
May You Live in Interesting Times was the title of Rugoff's Venice Biennale a couple of years ago. Then the whole world suddenly shuddered. Present times are more than interesting: they are hard and challenging. I was excited and moved to see the works of young photographers using their medium not only as a tool for documenting reality, but also for resisting, transcending and reinventing it.
Francesco Zanot
Curator, Les Rencontres d'Arles
Jury MA Photography
A fascinating, thought-provoking day, rich in exchanges, the students are very well prepared by ECAL's teachers: they express themselves clearly and their works are very well produced. The diversity of the forms of their works plunges us in the history of art and the photography of tomorrow.
Elsa Janssen
Art Director, Paris
Jury MA Photography
Stéphane (Kropf) works with his students in a special and genuine way. It was great to see a process built on mutual trust, and how he helped them grow and channel their work.
Real Madrid
Artist, Geneva
Jury BA Fine Arts
It was an honor to be part of the jury for the MA Type Design at ECAL. The students' work was astounding, and I particularly admire their expansice outlook on what type design can be.
Tânia Raposo
Font designer, Zürich
Jury MA Type Design
Jury Master Arts Visuels – Giovanni Carmine, David Douard, Tiphanie Kim Mall
Jury Master Arts Visuels – Giovanni Carmine, David Douard, Tiphanie Kim Mall
Jury Master Arts Visuels – Giovanni Carmine, David Douard, Tiphanie Kim Mall
Jury Master Arts Visuels – Giovanni Carmine, David Douard, Tiphanie Kim Mall
Jury Master Arts Visuels – Giovanni Carmine, David Douard, Tiphanie Kim Mall
Jury Master Arts Visuels – Giovanni Carmine, David Douard, Tiphanie Kim Mall
1/6
I was very impressed by the high level of the class, the high technological standards and in-depth technological knowledge. There was a wide range of design approaches – from web applications, critical analysis of game environments and AI experiments to musical tools. I was also impressed by the great cohesion of the class and the student's mutual support for one another. Especially during this difficult times, it was great to see how strongly the students supported and motivated each other.
Sabine Himmelsbach
Director, HeK Basel
Jury BA Media & Interaction Design
I was impressed by the quantity and quality of the projects presented by the MA students. The fact that they worked with partners in the luxury industry on real projects and issues is a major point. I am convinced that the students graduate with a very professional approach and are able to bring their personal vision of the design profession. A big congratulations to the teaching staff!
Nieves Contreras
Designer, Valence
Jury MAS in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship
Jury Master Photographie – Nathalie Herschdorfer, Elsa Janssen, Francesco Zanot
Jury Master Photographie – Nathalie Herschdorfer, Elsa Janssen, Francesco Zanot
Jury Master Photographie – Nathalie Herschdorfer, Elsa Janssen, Francesco Zanot
Jury Master Photographie – Nathalie Herschdorfer, Elsa Janssen, Francesco Zanot
Jury Master Photographie – Nathalie Herschdorfer, Elsa Janssen, Francesco Zanot
1/5
What struck me most is seeing the vast range of projects. All graduates have turned their personal fascina-tions and interests into communicative and beautiful projects, designed with care.
Sandra Kassenaar
Graphic Designer, Amsterdam
Jury BA Graphic Design
Jury Master Design de Produit – Eckart Maise, Carolien Niebling, Keiji Takeuchi
Jury Master Design de Produit – Eckart Maise, Carolien Niebling, Keiji Takeuchi
Jury Master Design de Produit – Eckart Maise, Carolien Niebling, Keiji Takeuchi
Jury Master Design de Produit – Eckart Maise, Carolien Niebling, Keiji Takeuchi
Jury Master Design de Produit – Eckart Maise, Carolien Niebling, Keiji Takeuchi
Jury Master Design de Produit – Eckart Maise, Carolien Niebling, Keiji Takeuchi
1/6
I loved the high standard of the works and the committed and professional way they were presented to the jury. ECAL is the art school to recommend in Switzerland right now. What a joy to be there!
Urs Stahel
Curator, Zürich
Jury BA Photography
The 2021 MA graduates in Industrial Design showed projects in a large variety of topics that reflected the group's diversity. The students challenged themselves in the depth of research and quality of execution. They also challenged the notion of what design means today, venturing beyond product design into the design of protest, education or media formats.
Eckert Maise
Design Consultant, Basel
Jury MA Product Design
The graduation projects were very impressive – most of them hugely innovative, many with huge market potential and several were basically ready for production. I myself graduated from ECAL 18 years ago. To witness the presentation of the graduation works as a jury member was an emotional moment that brought back a lot of memories and reminded me of how it feels when everything seems possible.
David Glaetti
Designer, Zurich
Jury BA Industrial Design
In my practice, ECAL is never far away, as so many of my colleagues have graduated from there. So it was an honour to be invited again and have an intimate glimpse into the future. The students took the tough material that life gave them these last two years and turned it into outstanding, thought-provoking work. Bravo to everyone at ECAL.
Marc Kremers
Creative Director, Future Corp, London
Jury BA Graphic Design, Media & Interaction Design, Photography
Jury Master Type Design – Stephan Müller, Tânia Raposo, Jonas Vögeli
Jury Master Type Design – Stephan Müller, Tânia Raposo, Jonas Vögeli
Jury Master Type Design – Stephan Müller, Tânia Raposo, Jonas Vögeli
Jury Master Type Design – Stephan Müller, Tânia Raposo, Jonas Vögeli
Jury Master Type Design – Stephan Müller, Tânia Raposo, Jonas Vögeli
Jury Master Type Design – Stephan Müller, Tânia Raposo, Jonas Vögeli
Diploma show 2021 – June 25, ECAL, Renens
Diploma show 2021 – June 25, ECAL, Renens
Diploma show 2021 – June 25, ECAL, Renens
Diploma show 2021 – June 25, ECAL, Renens
Diploma show 2021 – June 25, ECAL, Renens
Diploma show 2021 – June 25, ECAL, Renens
Diploma show 2021 – June 25, ECAL, Renens
Diploma show 2021 – June 25, ECAL, Renens
Diploma show 2021 – June 25, ECAL, Renens
Diploma show 2021 – June 25, ECAL, Renens
Diploma show 2021 – June 25, ECAL, Renens
Diploma show 2021 – June 25, ECAL, Renens
Diploma show 2021 – June 25, ECAL, Renens
Diploma show 2021 – June 25, ECAL, Renens
Diploma show 2021 – June 25, ECAL, Renens
Diploma show 2021 – June 25, ECAL, Renens
In collaboration with swissnex San Francisco and supported by the DGES, a residency awarded to a Bachelor Media & Interaction Design graduate, which supports the development of diploma work, in particular through a mentoring programme and a professional stay in San Francisco (USA). Presented by Mr Michael Fiaux, Operational Director in charge of Universities, DGES
In memory of Pierre Keller, Director of ECAL from 1995 to 2011. A prize awarded for a particularly committed diploma project. Presented by Mr. Alexis Georgacopoulos, Director of ECAL
A prize awarded by La Foncière, a real estate investment fund, to a deserving student for the work accomplished during the year in Photography. Presented by Mr Arnaud de Jamblinne, Director of La Foncière.
HES-SO Award for Excellence in Design and Visual Arts – CHF 2,500.-
A prize awarded to an ECAL student who has distinguished him/herself by the excellence of his/her diploma work. Presented by Mrs Christine Pirinoli, Vice-rector Research and Innovation of the HES-SO
A prize awarded by the jury of the Ernest Manganel Foundation to graduate students in Fine Arts, to reward the relevance of their research and the very professional quality of their diploma work. Presented by Mrs Catherine Othenin-Girard, member of the Board of the Manganel Foundation.
A prize awarded to a graduate student, author of a project that takes into account sustainable development, in particular its economic, environmental and social aspects. Presented by Mrs Anne-Claire Pliska, Director of Strategic Planning and Innovation at BG Consulting Engineers
A prize awarded to graduate students who have distinguished themselves by the excellence of their work throughout their studies at ECAL. Presented by Pauline Saglio, Head of Bachelor Media & Interaction Design.
A prize awarded to a graduate student in Media & Interaction Design who has distinguished himself/herself by the excellence of his/her work. Presented by Mr. David Colombini, Vice President of METAA: Media Experiments in Technology and Art Association
A prize awarded to a graduate student in Graphic Design who has distinguished himself or herself by the overall quality of his or her work. Presented by Mr. Angelo Benedetto, Head of Bachelor Graphic Design.
A prize awarded to a graduate student who has distinguished himself/herself by the quality of his/her Bachelor's thesis. Presented by Mrs Catherine Othenin-Girard, EXECAL President.
A prize awarded to a graduate student in Fine Arts who has distinguished himself or herself by the excellence of his or her work. Presented by Mrs Patricia Glave, President of Visarte Vaud.
A prize offering the opportunity of a first public visibility through an exhibition to a graduate of the ECAL's Bachelor's or Master's degree in photography, while reinforcing the existing links between ECAL and Images Vevey. Presented by M. Stefano Stoll, founder and director of Images Vevey.
FLOKK Internship (6-month internship program at Flokk HQ in Oslo)
Six-month internship programme at Flokk HQ in Oslo, Norway, to a Master Product Design graduate. Flokk is the market leader in the design, development and production of workplace furniture in Europe. Presented by Mr Camille Blin, Head of Master Product
Three prizes awarded by the Paris-based agency Eyes On Talents to graduate projects with high potential in terms of sustainability, social impact or technological integration. The winners will benefit from a professional support and a media follow-up as well as an increased visibility among the agency's network of partners. Presented by Mrs. Cécile Vulliemin, ECAL Strategic Partnerships, on behalf of Eyes on Talents.
De Bethune Award – CHF 6'000.-
Sarah Yao
– MAS in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship
A prize awarded to a graduate student in the Master of Advanced Studies in Design for Luxury & Craftsmanship for the quality of his/her work. Presented by Mr Denis Flageollet, master watchmaker & creator of De Bethune
HES-SO Design & Fine Arts Excellence Award – CHF 2'500.-
A prize awarded to an ECAL student who has distinguished himself/herself by the excellence of his/her diploma work. Presented by Mrs Christine Pirinoli, Vice-Rector Research and Innovation of the HES-SO.
A prize awarded to a graduate student, author of a project that takes into account sustainable development, in particular its economic, environmental and social aspects. Presented by Mrs Anne-Claire Pliska, Director of Strategic Planning and Innovation at BG Consulting Engineers
A prize awarded to a Master's degree student in Product Design who has distinguished himself/herself by the overall quality of his or her diploma work. Presented by Mr Camille Blin, Head of Master Product Design.
A prize awarded by In Rust We Trust to a graduate student who has distinguished himself/herself by the quality of his/her typographic work. The winner is offered the opportunity to publish a visual that will be used to collect donations for the Design against Cancer action (led by the association). Presented by Mr Angelo Benedetto, founding member of the association in rust we trust*
A prize awarded to a student in Cinema who has distinguished herself during the year by the quality of her achievements or technical work. Presented by Mrs Rachel Noël, Bachelor Cinema Coordinator
A prize awarded to graduate students who have distinguished themselves by the excellence of their work throughout their studies at ECAL. Presented by M. Milo Keller, Head of Master Photography.
A prize awarded to graduate students who have distinguished themselves by the excellence of their work throughout their studies at ECAL. Presented by M. Milo Keller, Head of Master Photography.
A prize awarded to a graduate student who has distinguished himself/herself by the quality of his/her Master's diploma project. Presented by Mrs Yoo-Mi Steffen, EXECAL Secretary
A prize awarded to a graduate student in the Master's degree in Photography who has carried out excellent diploma project. Presented by Mr Milo Keller, Head of the Master Photography, on behalf of Profot
Two scholarships awarded to students about to complete their graduation year. The choice was made on the basis of their talent and creativity. Presented by Mrs Stéphanie Moisdon, Head of MA Fine Arts, on behalf of the Casino Barrière de Montreux Foundation
Scholarships Walter + Eve Kent Foundation (Bachelor) – CHF 5'000.-
Two scholarships awarded to particularly talented students in the fields of painting and sculpture, to support the continuation of his or her studies at ECAL. Presented by Mr. Alexis Georgacopoulos, member of the Board of the Walter + Eve Kent Foundation.
Scholarships Walter + Eve Kent Foundation (Master) – CHF 5'000.-
Two scholarships awarded to particularly talented students in the fields of painting and sculpture, to support the continuation of his or her studies at ECAL. Presented by Mr. Alexis Georgacopoulos, member of the Board of the Walter + Eve Kent Foundation.
Encouragement Award – City of Renens - CHF 2'000.- x2
Jamy Herrmann
– 2nd year BA Media & Interaction Design – CHF 2’000.-
An encouragement prize awarded to a student who has distinguished himself/herself by the quality of his/her work. The winner is offered the opportunity to exhibit his/her work at the Ferme des Tilleuls in Renens. Presented by Mrs Karine Clerc, Municipale à la Ville de Renens.